Cable Commissioner: Lori PulkrabekAlternate: Paul Reinke

Oakdale is a flourishing community with a proud history, strong and consistent growth, and a promising future. It’s a community ripe with leisure pursuits, abundant shopping, and 30+ restaurants and coffee shops. Over 25 parks dot the Oakdale community, including the Oakdale Nature Preserve and its “jewel”, the Discovery Center, that offers wildlife exhibits, work from local artisans, cozy seating, reception facilities, and an outdoor amphitheater, all in a scenic, wooden setting. Nearby, visitors will discover a historic one-room schoolhouse and great trail system.

The Recreation Department, housed in the Discovery Center, holds events throughout the year, including the Mystery Egg Hunt, Haunted Hayride, and Winter Wonderland. On the southern end of town is the very popular Walton Park, located just west of City Hall. Throughout the summer, you'll find the free musical performances at the band shell, a weekly farmer’s market, a renowned skateboard facility, and in June, the annual celebration, Summerfest, and in July, the Fireworks Extravaganza. Other recreation offerings in Oakdale include easy access to the State of Minnesota’s Gateway Trail and the Oak Marsh Golf Course.

The Oakdale (Northdale) Fire Department originated in the garage of Dean Arnt consisting of only 12 members, one old Jeep and a 1953 Ford fire truck purchased from a neighboring department. This GTN production from 1994 details the history of the early years of the deparment.